This 18th mystery in the Guido Brunetti series reveals more of the commissario's family life, as his father-in-law asks him to investigate a potential business partner—though Brunetti is more interested in the man's wife, a brilliant young woman whose beauty was spoiled by plastic surgery. Donna Leon also returns to one of her signature subjects here: the environment. In Venice, with the polluted waters of the canals and a major chemical complex across the lagoon, the issue is never far from the fore, and an investigator from the carabiniere asks Brunetti to look into a murder tied to the illegal hauling of garbage. This novel, like the others in Donna Leon's atmospheric yet realistic series featuring Commissario Brunetti of the Venice police, reveals the contemporary city that dwells behind the history and tourism. Pointed social commentary, depictions of residents' everyday life, and political machinations (sometimes palpable, but most often lurking beneath the surface) mix with the mysteries at hand and Brunetti's love of his city, while Leon gives us a depth of character and plot not always associated with the mystery genre.

"With her 18th stellar entry in the Commissario Guido Brunetti series, Leon continues to live up to the increasingly high standards set by each novel. Her latest brings the Venetian policeman into intertwining cases involving dangerous environmental hazards: mounting trash heaps and air and water pollution. As usual, the urbane, overeducated, laconic detective circumvents his self-indulgent, self-centered boss and other department dullards to solve a thorny murder case. Leon not only offers superb plotting and engaging dialog, but also captures the atmosphere of Venetian daily life. Thus, Brunetti enjoys frequent, leisurely meals with his wife and children. Leon's evocation of these meals is so delectable that readers feel as though they are participating in the repasts."—Library Journal (starred review)